Windows & Doors Questions

REMOVING WINDOW BUT NOT REPLACING IT

We are looking to take out a few windows in a brick home with cement window sills. We wanted to know what we could do instead of trying to match the bricks and just fill it in. We are looking for alternative choices for a different look instead of the same old, same old. Read our expert's answer »
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Colourful Cornices

I have a long narrow living room space that opens into the hall, dining area, and kitchen. These areas are all white and cream colour (ex. walls and ceilings). The living room furniture are mission style with dark Merlot coloured wood. The carpet is a light tan. I don't have drapes on the windows but they have colorful window corners. Still the room feels a bit cold because the walls are bare. But I don't know to put on the walls because the paintings (their colors) I've tried to hang, end up clashing with the cornices. Read our expert's answer »
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Window install problem

We had the windows replaced in our home. The bay window was too big (they ordered to the exterior measurements rather than interior). They were able to install it by pulling it farther out onto the brick and re-doing the windowsill (on the inside). I accepted this solution. However, I have since been told that because it extends beyond the roof overhang that there is now a possible problem with leaking when it rains. The window company says no. Thoughts? Read our expert's answer »
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Painting Windows

I have two questions: Question One - We would like to paint our interior window frames, base boards & doors (note: the outside frames are black). Our top floor is 2300 square feet of Scandinavian Natural Maple hardwood (which is light to mid-variation of colors with a bit of a black streaking in places). Our cupboards are a mid-tone and our kitchen & great room are open concept. We have three large windows 12 feet high in the great room and two 10 feet in the kitchen; the rest of our windows throughout the house are quite large. We are wondering if it would work to do a dark trim (coffee color, which is quite dark) on windows and door frames and boarders or would this look like a jail or close it in too much? Do we paint the inside of the frame a lighter tone than the outside boarder or can we paint it all dark (our wall color is a mid tone)? I have looked at some show homes and there are more light colors used than dark for doors and windows. Also, is it better to use a dark stain or can we just use dark paint? We thought the dark coffee color might look nice with the bit of streaks in the floor. Again we're looking at little tiny samples which can be hard to gauge. What are your thoughts/suggestions/experience and do you know of any websites or other resources that could give us some ideas on this? Question Two - We have in-floor heating in the basement and we are wondering what alternatives we can use instead of a rug for our floor cover. I heard that laminate can curl on this type of floor. Is this correct? We would also like something easy to lay where we wouldn't have to use plywood on the floor, just a cushion/foam or something. Our basement will be used a lot because it's where our games, TV and exercise rooms are; there are bedrooms down there. It's approx 2000 square feet. Also, what about leather flooring - how durable is that? If you know of any other flooring we could use that would be helpful. Are there any other web sites/resources that we can help us? Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions! Lori Read our expert's answer »
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Trim and Chair rail??

We have a 23 year old home and some things are interesting. We are currently going to repaint and put up new window, door, and floor trim plus re-do our chair rail. We want to do 4 inch trim for that really nice modern look. But in some areas our trim will touch, overlap or not fit. Is there any ideas you have will not necessitate moving windows or any kind of major reno? Also could we lower the chair rail and if yes how low before it looks funny? Right now it matches our kitchen counter height. Please help on any thing or any ideas you have to make this easier. Thanks, Read our expert's answer »
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